Shakira presents her new perfume "S".

Miley Cyrus perform on ABC's "Good Morning America"

Warming Up: Oven Mitts for Petites

As the old saying goes, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!"  Well, move over Martha Stewart!  Now there's a perfect little oven mitt to bring out the culinista in us all.  I stumbled across this little gem during a recent trip to TJ Maxx.  (P.S. Am I the only person who manages to waste spend an hour in the store's home goods section?)  That's where I found the Orka Silicone Oven Mitt in ... SIZE PETITE!!!!!  I couldn't believe my luck, ladies.  I immediately snatched it up for a mere $7.99 + tax.

So why is this mitt so special?  First, it's made of 100% pure premium silicone, so it's completely non-porous and waterproof.  The mitt can withstand heat up to 480˚F -- so you can easily reach into a pot of boiling water or turn food over in a pan, grill or oven with just your mitted hand.  (Admittedly, I haven't gotten up the nerve to put this part to the test yet.)  The mitt gives you a non-slip grip and (thanks to its opposable thumb design) makes for comfortable handling of hot objects of various sizes.  If the mitt gets dirty, no worries!  Just pop it in the dishwasher or the washing machine, and it'll be good as new.  But here's the best part of all -- Orka has specially designed this mitt to fit smaller hands!  That's right.  My new Orka mitt literally fits me "like a glove", and now I look "nothing short of amazing" when things heat up in the kitchen.

Amanda Seyfried out shopping at Maxfield

Fergie of the Black eyed peas performs a song during the kick-off celebration concert for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Jenni Farley and Nicole Polizzi pose in the press room at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards

SHOPPORTUNITY: eShakti

A "Shopportunity" is petite fashion as it's meant to be.

Beautifully crafted.  Perfectly proportioned.  Completely fashion-forward.

A "Shopportunity" is exactly what it sounds like.  It's a shopping opportunity for petite women who want to expand their wardrobes beyond the offerings of traditional retailers.  (God bless Banana Republic and Ann Taylor, but variety is the spice of life, ladies!)  So today's "Shopportunity" is...

Oh, eShakti, how I love thee.  Let me count the ways!

1. eShakti carries its entire line of clothing in ready-to-wear sizes from 0 to 26W. 
2. eShakti will make *any* garment it sells in custom sizes and even permit you to modify the neckline, length, or sleeves to suit your taste.
3. eShakti guarantees three-day shipping on all items -- even the custom-made ones!
4. eShakti has a no-questions-asked money back guarantee policy! 
5. eShakti's gorgeous clothes are available at reasonable prices! 
6. eShakti has a growing list of happy, satisfied customers.
7. eShakti offers new customers a $15 gift certificate just for registering online.

Seriously, can this store be any more petite-friendly?  I can't even believe it!!!   eShakti gives us all the perfect excuse to treat ourselves to something custom made to round out our closets!  A brand new dress (or top or skirt or anything...lol!) is the perfect way to make the transition from spring to summer!

(P.S. Dear readers, sorry it has taken me sooooo long to post to this blog.  A LOT has happened in the meantime, including my law school graduation (yay!) and move to a brand new city (double yay!).   I'm studying for the Bar this summer, so I won't be able to post as much for the next eight weeks either.  But I'll be back in action with more petite goodies very, very soon -- I promise!)

Rihanna performs on stage during Rock in Rio Madrid Festival